Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression (4x^2 - 11x + 6) / (16x^2 - 9).

Solution

The expression provided in the image is:

4x211x+616x29\frac{4x^2 - 11x + 6}{16x^2 - 9}

Step 1: Factor the numerator and the denominator

Numerator: 4x211x+64x^2 - 11x + 6

We need to factor this quadratic expression. We look for two numbers that multiply to 4×6=244 \times 6 = 24 and add to 11-11. The numbers are 3-3 and 8-8.

So we rewrite 11x-11x as 3x8x-3x - 8x:

4x211x+6=4x23x8x+64x^2 - 11x + 6 = 4x^2 - 3x - 8x + 6

Now factor by grouping:

=(4x28x)(3x6)= (4x^2 - 8x) - (3x - 6) =4x(x2)3(x2)= 4x(x - 2) - 3(x - 2) =(4x3)(x2)= (4x - 3)(x - 2)

Denominator: 16x2916x^2 - 9

This is a difference of squares:

16x29=(4x3)(4x+3)16x^2 - 9 = (4x - 3)(4x + 3)

Step 2: Simplify the expression

Now we have:

(4x3)(x2)(4x3)(4x+3)\frac{(4x - 3)(x - 2)}{(4x - 3)(4x + 3)}

Cancel the common factor (4x3)(4x - 3) from the numerator and the denominator:

x24x+3\frac{x - 2}{4x + 3}

Final Answer:

The simplified form of the expression is:

x24x+3\frac{x - 2}{4x + 3}

Would you like further details or explanations? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you factor a quadratic expression like 4x211x+64x^2 - 11x + 6?
  2. What is the difference of squares and how is it factored?
  3. Why can you cancel out terms like 4x34x - 3 in a rational expression?
  4. How would the expression change if it were 16x2+916x^2 + 9 instead of 16x2916x^2 - 9?
  5. What if the quadratic in the denominator couldn't be factored? How would you approach it?

Tip: Always check for common factors when simplifying algebraic expressions, but make sure that any term you're canceling is a factor, not just part of a term!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Factoring
Rational Expressions

Formulas

Quadratic expression factorization
Difference of squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Theorems

Difference of squares theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11